27 Best US National Parks for Your Next Road Trip

Spring is here and summer is around the corner, meaning it’s time for road trips to America’s prized national parks. People come from all over the world to witness these natural wonders.  

However, tracking down bucket list-worthy destinations can be a daunting task. So, we’ve rounded up the best national parks in the USA from travel experts who share the top things to see and do at each destination.  

27 Best US National Parks for Your Next Road Trip

Winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

Crater Lake is located in southwestern Oregon. It is the deepest lake in the United States at 1,943 ft. The water is the most magnificent blue. The best time of year to visit is July through September. 

2. Crater Lake

Self-Guided Tours

Olympic National Park is one of the most unique, diverse, and beautiful national parks in the US. Located across the Puget Sound from Seattle (about a 2-hour drive), it’s a relatively easy location to access. 

3. Olympic National Park

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Sitting on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an oasis of lush forests, incredible wildflowers, and stunning waterfalls that span an incredible 522,419 acres of land. 

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Get more summer road trip inspiration on the 27 best US national parks to visit!